Thanks to Fareed Zakaria for the shout out on his CNN show: “This week’s “Book of the Week” is “Fate of the Species” by Fred Guterl. In elegant, compelling prose, the author, who is one of the great science journalists of today, lays out the megachallenges we confront — super viruses, climate change, disappearing species — it is enough to make even an optimist like me very worried.”

More praise for FATE OF THE SPECIES:

“It feels strange to call a book about the end of humanity elegant and engaging, but so be it. Fred Guterl has researched the many, many ways in which we could bring destruction down upon our own heads, bringing them up to date with the latest research in climatology, synthetic biology, and computer science. I hope the world doesn’t crash, but if it does, I can’t say Guterl didn’t warn me.”

“An important, awe-inspiring book. This is a straight-from-the-shoulder assessment of the future of a humankind trapped by its own technological prowess. The Fate of the Species is written by a master of his craft with provocative, thoughtful elegance. Guterl combines measured optimism with scary scenarios in a telling synthesis of cutting edge science made understandable. This book should be required reading for everyone, and I mean everyone.”

“Guterl has written ‘How We Die’ for the human species. From reverse genetics that creates a deadly flu virus to climate change that kills the Asian monsoons, his scenarios are so fascinating and compelling you almost forget what’sat stake. Almost.”

Sharon Begley, former science columnist for Newsweek and The Wall St. Journal

“This is a beautifully written book that will make you think and worry. Fred Guterl explains everything that could go wrong in lucid prose. It is an arresting, though unnerving combination.”

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What is Fate of the Species About?

Every day we hear references to scary things that could happen, some of them downright apocalyptic. FATE takes these things on directly. Have we, by our success as a species, unwittingly triggered a "mass extinction event" that could lead to our own downfall? How have climate change, species extinction, emerging diseases, bio-weapons and our over-reliance on the Internet amplified the risks we face?

The book has been called "remarkably engaging" "beautifully written" and "elegant." Imagine sitting around a campfire in the woods, listening to sounds in the surrounding darkness, and wondering what could be out there. Except you're in the company of scientists, who are telling you exactly what you needn't worry about, and what you should worry about. That's the idea. Although the subject is grim, the message is essentially optimistic.